Zwinak emerges in Penn State's backfield with power, patience

Zach Zwinak began the season as Penn State's fourth-string running back with a career total of three carries. Still, the defense knew well of his physical nature.

"Zach was on scout team his freshman year, and I definitely got to hit him a good amount," said linebacker Glenn Carson. "But he keeps on bringing it. He'll definitely lower his pads and try to gain some extra yards. He doesn't give up."

That mentality has served Zwinak well this season. The redshirt sophomore went from reserve to star in Penn State's offense and now has an outside chance at rushing for 1,000 yards.

Zwinak should get a good workout today against Indiana, which brings the Big Ten's least successful run defense to Beaver Stadium. The Hoosiers rank 118th nationally against the run, allowing 244 yards per game.

Wisconsin barely even acknowledged the pass last week, rushing 64 times for 564 yards in a 62-14 victory over Indiana. Five opponents have rushed for more than 200 yards against the Hoosiers.

Zwinak, who leads Penn State with 686 yards rushing, could be poised for another big day. It's certainly not something he expected last spring, or even in August.

Running backs coach Charles London said that Zwinak began the season fourth on Penn State's depth chart, and that was after Silas Redd transferred to USC. The Lions had more speed (Bill Belton) and more experience (Curtis Dukes, Michael Zordich) in the backfield that they intended to use.

But early injuries to Belton, Zordich and Derek Day shifted the position, giving Zwinak his chance. After rushing just three times in the first three games, Zwinak carried the ball 18 times for 94 yards in his breakthrough appearance against Temple.

Since then, Zwinak has compiled four 100-yard games, including back-to-back efforts at Purdue and Nebraska. Zwinak rushed for a career-high 141 yards against the Cornhuskers, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt.

"He's surpassed where he was," said head coach Bill O'Brien. "We had a much different football team, after the Blue-White Game, than we do as we sit here today. ... And then had injuries occur, and as injuries occur the next guy has to step up. That's what happened to Zach. We had injuries, and he was the next guy."

Zwinak said he harbored no expectations entering the season, particularly given the position's makeup and his history. Zwinak sustained a torn ACL as a freshman in 2010, an injury that helped keep him on the scout team last season.

He made an impression there, however, taking and receiving punishment from the defense.

"We joke around with him that we made him tougher," Carson said. "He took some licks on the scout team, and he definitely got frustrated. But you've seen the great improvement in his game. I couldn't be happier with how he's come along."

At 235 pounds, Zwinak is a power back who consistently gains yards. In fact, he has lost just three yards in his 138 carries this season.

But against Nebraska, Zwinak showed a surprising burst of speed, running past two defenders for a 50-yard touchdown. The play was Penn State's longest from scrimmage this season and its longest single run by 25 yards.

"I thought I was pretty fast before I tore my knee," Zwinak said. "I wasn't sure what it looked like on the field. I was asking the guys on the sideline. I was just happy I got there."

With two years of eligibility remaining, Zwinak has positioned himself as a potential leader in Penn State's backfield. O'Brien said Zwinak has to focus on ball security (he has three fumbles in the last four games) and can improve his receiver routes.

"He just kept working and he just kept getting better and just waited for his opportunity to come," London said. "We always talked to him about that: 'When your opportunity comes, you need to take advantage of it.' He had an opportunity and never looked back."

HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH REDD

How do Zach Zwinak's numbers compare to Silas Redd's at USC? Pretty well.